An affectionate storybook tribute to that truly wonderful place: the library.

Miss Merriweather, the head librarian, is very particular about rules in the library. No running allowed. And you must be quiet. But when a lion comes to the library one day, no one is sure what to do. There aren't any rules about lions in the library. And, as it turns out, this lion seems very well suited to library visiting. His big feet are quiet on the library floor. He makes a comfy backrest for the children at story hour. And he never roars in the library, at least not anymore. But when something terrible happens, the lion quickly comes to the rescue in the only way he knows how. Michelle Knudsen's disarming story, illustrated by the matchless Kevin Hawkes in an expressive timeless style, will win over even the most ardent of rule keepers.

This twentieth-anniversary edition of Library Lion features a poster with brand-new artwork on the reverse of the jacket!

A special gift edition that celebrates twenty years of Library Lion, the bestselling modern classic that offers an affectionate tribute to that truly wonderful place: the library.

A New York Times Bestseller
A TIME Magazine 100 Best Children’s Books of All Time Selection
An Amazon Best Book of the Year
A School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

For twenty years, the award-winning, New York Times bestselling Library Lion has captured the hearts of children, families, librarians, teachers, and book lovers the world over. Now it’s available in a deluxe special anniversary package featuring foiling on the cover, a poster with brand-new art from Kevin Hawkes, and special author and illustrator notes detailing their inspiration for the book.

Miss Merriweather, the head librarian, is very particular about rules in the library. No running allowed. And you must be quiet. But when a lion comes to the library one day, no one is sure what to do. There aren’t any rules about lions in the library. And, as it turns out, this lion seems very well suited to library visiting. His big feet are quiet on the library floor. He makes a comfy backrest for the children at story hour. And he never roars in the library, at least not anymore. But when something terrible happens, the lion quickly comes to the rescue in the only way he knows how.

KEEPSAKE PACKAGE: The bestselling, heartwarming favorite is now in a deluxe special edition that will make a beautiful addition to any family’s library.

MODERN CLASSIC FOR LIFELONG READERS: Michelle Knudsen’s disarming story, illustrated in an expressive, timeless style by Kevin Hawkes, has become a modern classic beloved by readers of all ages.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING CREATORS: Michelle Knudsen is the New York Times bestselling author of Library Lion and Luigi, the Spider Who Wanted to Be a Kitten, as well as many other books for young readers. Kevin Hawkes is the illustrator of more than forty books for children, including Library Lion and Luigi, the Spider Who Wanted to Be a Kitten; Weslandia by Paul Fleischman; and The Hanukkah Magic of Nate Godol by Arthur A. Levine.

Perfect for:

• Fans of Library Lion, Michelle Knudsen, and Kevin Hawkes
• Book and library lovers young and old
• Gift-givers looking for presents for holidays, birthdays, baby showers, or any occasion
• Readers who love classic children’s books with animal characters like A Visitor for Bear, Kitten’s First Full Moon, Make Way for Ducklings, and The Tiger Who Came to Tea
• Troublemakers and rule followers alike

Proves that every now and then you have to break the rules.
—New York Times Book Review

This winsome pairing of text and illustration is a natural for storytime and a first purchase for every collection.
—School Library Journal (starred review)

Knudsen's gentle tale of a revered yet welcoming community destination will ring true for many readers. Hawkes's (Weslandia) evocative, soft-hued acrylic-and-pencil illustrations have a timeless feel, depicting a cozy book-filled haven that any story fan would love to visit, rules and all.
—Publishers Weekly

Knudsen and Hawkes pick a perfect setting to express the idea that breaking rules can sometimes be a good thing.
—Kirkus Reviews

Appealing. . . . Children will easily see themselves in the wild lion, who yearns to explore and enjoy the library but worries about the constraining rules.
—Booklist

A beautiful book that is sure to be shared and wept over again and again.
—The Bloomsbury Review

A picture book treat for any library lover.
—Nancy Pearl Book Reviews, KUOW Radio “The Beat"

Sweetly celebrating all things bookish and guaranteed to tickle young readers’ funny bones.
—Child

Kevin Hawkes’ illustrations are a brilliant fit, rendering the lion’s softness and a modern library seen from a child’s eye level.
—Chicago Tribune

There are lessons here about making assumptions, breaking rules and taking care of friends.
—San Francisco Chronicle

The happy ending will leave a smile on children’s faces whether they read it themselves or hear it as a read-aloud.
—Kansas City Star

The delights of a small-town library come to life in this charming tale.
—Star-Ledger

An old-fashioned, heart-warming storybook.
—Louisville Courier-Journal

Written and illustrated in the orderly style of mid-20th century classics such as Andy and the Lion, the story’s special charm is in the characters.
—Times-Picayune

With masterful subtleness, [Hawkes] evokes emotions and movement around this magnificent furry lion.
—Sacramento Bee

If you can buy only one book this is the one.
—Daily Herald, featured in "Good Reads for Kids"

A very gentle book with a good word to say about breaking the rules.
—Detroit Free Press

Graceful details add to the retro feel of this utterly delightful book. Curl up at your favorite library with this winner of a tale!
—BookPage

This beautifully illustrated story will be a joy to read over and over again with your little cubs at bedtime.
—Houston Family Magazine

This is a book parent and child will enjoy again and again.
—About Family Magazine